Oleksandr Zinchenko wanted to return home and fight Russian troops on the frontline in Ukraine.
The Manchester City star had planned on travelling back in the immediate aftermath of the invasion on his homeland in February before being persuaded to remain in England.
Zinchenko spoke with family and friends, who advised that he was able to make more of a difference by using his platform as a force for good.
His family said he would more of a difference by using his platform as a force for good
The 25-year-old has continued playing for City in unprecedented circumstances and produced a stunning display at Hampden Park on Wednesday night when Ukraine beat Scotland 3-1.